Food waste is a massive problem for our pockets and for the environment. This article will give you tips on how to make better use of your freezer, how to keep your food for longer, how to stop food waste and will help you save you money. Shiny Smeg or crusty old appliance-manufacturer-unknown, let's get lovin' that humble freezer!
There is much speculation surrounding the … [Read more...]

To me, the appearance of Alphonso mangoes in the shops signals the arrival of the very earliest part of summer. During May in our house we devour this unrivalled fruit, with its creamy texture and heady perfume.
They are simply delicious on their own (my husband believes there is no other way), but I’ve blended the Alphonso here with the flavours from one of my favourite … [Read more...]

I knocked up this dill pesto yesterday and had to share it. It's very possibly the tastiest pesto you'll ever try. And it uses up old dill, which is why it got invented.
Ingredients:
Bunch of dill
50ml olive oil
Grated rind of half a lemon
Tbsp of whole or half a tbsp of ground almonds (whole almonds with skins on give a nice rough note)
Two anchovy fillets
Dash of … [Read more...]

These Spanish baked eggs have become pretty much a weekly feature in my kitchen - they're delicious, healthy and cheap to make. I adapted this recipe over time from various other Spanish and Mexican dishes. It’s ideal either as a weekend brunch or weeknight dinner, and can be amended to use up whatever vegetables you have in your fridge.
Ingredients (serves two):
4 eggs
1 … [Read more...]

A lovely Scottish take on fudge, with added spirit
This whisky tablet recipe is perfect for serving with coffee, or after a meal.
A lot of fudge and tablet recipes contain condensed milk; I like that this one uses normal milk instead. I find this slightly takes the edge off the intense sweetness, and is also more convenient as I always have milk in the house.
Ingredients:
2 … [Read more...]

A traditional Scottish dessert, perfect for a Burns Supper.
Cranachan is a mixture of cream, raspberries, oats, honey and whisky. As long as you include all these things you will have something delicious - however you choose to mix them up! Quantities are dependent on taste and how many people you’re feeding.
The first step is to toast the oats, either in a heavy-based pan or … [Read more...]

This adaption of the classic Rocky Road is perfect for whipping up at last minute - especially during this time of year when you’ve already got plenty of work on your hands (or are just too full up from all other festive indulgences to do any proper baking!).
This is the ultimate treat for anyone who enjoys a hint of saltiness in their chocolate. Still embracing the standard … [Read more...]

Propagating rosemary is a really great way to get value for money out of shop-bought herbs. It’s also an excellent way to keep it fresh – no more forgotten bags of damp, brown rosemary at the back of your fridge. It will happily live in a glass of water like this for ages and ages.
Take a stem of rosemary (or multiple stems, if you like) and pull off the leaves from about … [Read more...]

A bright and fresh winter side dish, great for perking up leftover roast meat.
You could make this dish a bit creamier by substituting some of the yoghurt for crème fraîche, but this fresher yoghurt version cuts through the richness of leftover roast lamb or beef in a very pleasing way.
The fennel really makes this, and if you’re a fan you could double the amount to a … [Read more...]

Ok, you might think you're enjoying your chocolate already! But are you experiencing it so that it truly indulges every one of your senses?
Sight – Your chocolate should be glossy, rich, uniform in colour and smooth.
Sound – It should make a clean snap sound and have clean break.
Smell - Inhale deeply and appreciate!
Taste - Allow to melt on your tongue and fill the … [Read more...]

Chocolate must be good for us. Time to use science as an excuse proof!
(Note it must be good quality dark chocolate – unfortunately, you don't get same benefits if you scoff down a whole box champagne truffles.)
Minerals:
Iron, phosphorous, magnesium, copper, potassium, calcium. Chocolate even contains fluoride (so potentially it's good for your … [Read more...]

You will no doubt be aware of the multitude of cookbooks making shelves in modern bookshops groan. Celebrity chefs are responsible for many of these titles; fundamental to today's viewing schedules - each has their own inevitable spin-off book. Every week we are bombarded with a new 'definitive' guide to cooking: a tome promising to change the way you cook and look at food. But … [Read more...]

By applying some common sense to your cooking choices and ingredient purchasing you can eat like a queen on even the smallest of budgets. Claire Palmer tells you how with some inspirational recipes.
Tip 1- Store cupboard essentials
Stick to store cupboard essentials and avoid pre-packaged foods.
When you have returned home after a long day, and want to whip up a … [Read more...]

We've all got one – a kitchen drawer stuffed full of gadgets, that is. The contents looked attractive enough in the shop: shiny, seemingly indispensable and apparently easy to use. The catch being, they take up space. Every time you reach for the can opener, the drawer refuses to open because that stainless steel egg slicer you got from Auntie Mags is lurking at the back and … [Read more...]

I cannot stress enough that you will save money if you make all of your own meals- breakfast, lunch and dinner. We all know this is the case but we let our lazy asses make our decisions for us! Well, no more - get pro active and stop lining the pockets of prêt a manager!
This week's cheap meal is really three meals based on the same concept… puff pastry (yummo!). The aim of … [Read more...]

Celebrate May Day in affordable style with this bargain Beltane banquet
Smile and whip up a bank holiday feast for your friends - they won't have a clue that you've spent less than twenty pounds on them!
For your May Day treat we have come up with a spread of wonder! Whether you're dining with friends and family or are hoping for something more intimate, we have a meal … [Read more...]

At long last a warm sunny bank holiday is in our sights. We can start looking forward to BBQs and sunbathing and alfresco prosecco.
Winter is well and truly over and the birth of the summer has been traditionally celebrated in the UK for eons. One of the best ways to celebrate is to eat! What better way to welcome the sun and earth back into awakening (other than dancing round … [Read more...]